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N.

Damage to or destruction of property, especially the property of an employer during a strike or of the state for political reasons. Sabotage as such is not an offence, although it may be treated as criminal damage (Chandler v DPP [1964] AC 763 (HL). The courts have, however, interpreted the phrase “prohibited place” in the Official Secrets Act 1911 to bring sabotage against the state within the scope of that Act, even though it is clear that Parliament's intention was only to prohibit spying. See feature The Official Secrets Acts.